Native American Festival continues this weekend

Chehaw's 3 day Native American Festival continues Saturday and Sunday. Organizers say they are looking forward to seeing people come out and celebrate one of the biggest events for the park.

Chehaw's Nature Resources Manager, Ben Kirkland, expects to see a good turn out this year. He says hundreds of students, teachers and parents will join in on live entertainment and shows.

The festival is bringing a world champion hoop dancer, flute players, story tellers, primitive technology experts as well as the popular Aztec dancers and warriors on horseback.

Kirkland says Southwest Georgia has a very strong Native American heritage, its even where Chehaw got its name. The festival is a way to keep that history alive and educate visitors in a way that allows them to interact.

Della Garcia, a vendor from Peru and part of the Inca tribe, says its important to her because she can share her values and her crafts with southwest Georgia.

"We travel all over the U.S. and South America, and for us its very exciting. This area is so beautiful," Garcia said.

Chehaw will also host a variety of other activities such as rhino and alligator feeding, as well as the cheetah run.

Kirkland says his favorite part of the festival is to be able to show what the park has to offer, he believes it gives visitors a greater appreciation.

The Native American Festival continues Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission for adults is $10.75 and $7.75 for kids.

A two day pass is also offered with a price of $18 for adults and $12 for children.